A design studio forclients with ambition

UNIT3 DESIGN STUDIO

Unit3 is an award winning Liverpool design studio committed to delivering unique, creative and innovative ideas.

We work across three design disciplines – architecture, graphic design and creative media. We do this through a spirit of research, curiosity, experimentation and collaboration and aim to

help others understand the value of great design.

‘Unit3 are a fantastic practice that go that extra mile.

A joy to work with’

Jo Harrop - PLACED

ACCREDITATIONSA MARK OF QUALITY We strive to offer an exceptional service to all our clients no matter what the project is - big or small.

We have invested considerable time and resource into getting things right and in recognition of this, we have been able to obtain industry accreditations and memberships.

Being able to promote our accreditations with these recognised bodies illustrates that we have certain skills, knowledge, experience and capabilities to deliver professional, competent and exceptional services to our clients.

We all know that it is common sense that you should only use a registered doctor or dentist, and we believe that the same goes for architects and designers.

These professional bodies give our clients the reassuring peace of mind that the service you receive from us has been checked, approved and is of the professional quality that you expect.

RIBA CHARTERED PRACTICE To become a RIBA chartered practice we are required to have a number of quality assurance procedures in place, company policies, staff training and maintain a professional standard of competence.

ARCHITECTS REGISTRATION BOARDThe architects registration board is the body set up by parliament as the independent UK regulator ofArchitects. Anyone who is involved in designing and constructing buildings, and describes themselves as an architect, must be registered with ARB.

CONSTRUCTIONLINEConstructionline is the UK’s largest and only government owned pre-qualification certification scheme for construction-related contractors, consultants and material suppliers. Being approved on Constructionline validates our competency to deliver public sector schemes.

PLACED DESIGN AMBASSADORA number of our staff are volunteer design ambassadors for PLACED and are committed to investing their knowledge and experience learnt in industry back into educating the next generation of young designers and architects.

WORKPLACE WELLBEING CHARTERThe workplace wellbeing charter promotes health at work by engaging our staff in a number of health and lifestyle workshops. We believe that a happy healthy workforce will provide our clients with the best possible service.

‘Unit3 are a full service agency. The only one we have ever worked with who can actually make design, branding and the built environment all work together.

We will definitely work together again in the future and I would recommend without hesitation’

Matt Bell - Revolver Retail

DESIGN STUDIO22A JORDAN STREET, LIVERPOOLOur studio is based in the lively and unique Baltic Triangle creative and digital quarter of Liverpool.

The district is a hub for young and vibrant creative companies which allows us to collaborate, co-operate and network with like-minded individuals - tapping into additional skills and opening up new opportunities when required.

From our studio on Jordan Street we manage all projects across Liverpool, the north-west, UK and internationally.

Clients can meet our team in our studio, one of our 3 meeting rooms, our exhibition space or more informally for refreshments in cafe51 which all form part of the campus.

‘Unit3 have a good, solid business which they have differentiated from other businesses in their sectors. The panel very much liked the mix of the ‘for profit’

element and the social side of their business.’

Susan Smith - University of Central Lancashire

CREATIVE MEDIA@unit3_creative

Engagement

Workshops

Model Making

Collaborations

Frameworks

GRAPHIC DESIGN@unit3_design

Marketing

3D Visualisations

Virtual Reality

Branding Guidelines

Signage

ARCHITECTURE@unit3_architecture

Residential

Commercial

Sustainability

Urban Regeneration

Housing Developments

Our ethos is that simple and understandable designs have an everlasting beauty and appeal with people.

We consider each project and client a unique opportunity to design a scheme that will delight and ignite an interest in buildings, architecture, design and spaces.

Collectively we have a huge range of first-hand experience in many typologies of architectural design including housing, schools and universities, healthcare, listed buildings and conservation, civic buildings, sports and leisure, museums, commercial offices, industrial and agricultural and can undertake projects from small residential extensions to a large new build secondary schools.

By working with our partnered companies, we also have the capability to offer under one-umbrella selected additional building design services such as landscape design, quantity surveying, site inspectors and interior design.

ARCHITECTURE

unit3-designstudio/architecture

‘Unit3 are a professional company with quality work and always meeting deadlines’

Michelle Sims - Clockwork Marketing

CONSERVATION AND HERITAGEREFURBISHMENTS, CONSENTS, AND ADAPTATIONSWe are able to assist clients with a variety of residential and commercial projects that involve heritage and conservation consideration.

We have worked directly with local authorities, local conservation groups and stakeholders (including English Heritage, HLF) on a broad range of difficult issues and together have developed solutions that preserve and protect important aspects of buildings, whilst still enabling the project to progress and be redeveloped.

PILGRIM COTTAGEThis was a difficult extension of an existing GradeII

listed cottage in a conservation area adjacent to Hailes Abbey. Detailed consultations with the local conservation

officer and English Heritage were required and Unit3 managed the process throughout which included ground investigation pits and detailed heritage statements to be

produced and approved before work commenced.

“We believe that small projects should always receive

the same level of respect and service as our larger schemes.

The intricacies of working together in a one-to-one

partnership with residential clients form a unique bond that

enable us to design on a much more personal level”

RESIDENTIAL EXTENSIONS & REFURBISHMENTFEASIBILITY, DESIGN & MANAGEMENTOur architectural team have managed and completed the design of numerous small residential extensions and refurbishments across the North West.

We enjoy working closely with clients in coming up with new layouts and additional space that works in conjunction with their existing buildings.

To simplify the process for everyone involved, we always structure our involvement, fees and services into an easily understood agreement based on the RIBA Plan of Works.

TY NANT HELYGEN, Ty Nant Helygen is a “H shape” family cottage nestled in

the valley of the Clwydian Range, North Wales.

We proposed a modern intervention onto the rear external courtyard to provide fantastic views out onto the garden. As well as installing a large glazed skylight

and sliding doors that would bring the most natural daylight into the space.

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIESSPACE PLANNING, REFURBISHMENT & INTERIOR DESIGNAround a quarter of the UK population spend most of their working life in office environments. Getting the balance between a functional and an enjoyable space to work is a difficult task which is often badly executed due to poor planning at the outset.

Space planning is much more than just getting bums on seats, and careful consideration should be given to a number of both environmental and functional factors including:

- Natural daylight / glare and artificial lighting- Staff welfare facilities- Travel distances and emergency escape - Break-out spaces and meeting areas- Noise and acoustic separation- Power, data and printing provisions- Staff line-of-sight and - Team co-working and dependencies - Storage, security and delivery- Cellular offices and open-plan areas

Whether you are considering relocating premises, a company reorganisation or just need assistance with space planning, Unit3 can assist in producing detailed floor plans and artists impressions of commercial work spaces both big and small.

We can assist you with any aspect of space planning from a simple colour coded seating arrangement through to a full interior design management service.

Let our designers show you how to best maximise the space you have available and how to plan effective environments that provide your employees with comfortable and enjoyable spaces to work in.

WAREHOUSE CONVERSION,Unit3 design studio can advise and assist

commercial clients in the redesign and development of a variety of mixed-use

commercial property types including offices, business parks, industrial units, high street retail, warehousing, leisure and hotels. We

assist clients at any stage of the project from concept viability, through the entire process of planning, legislation, contract

administration, construction and completion.

Having architectural knowledge and expertise at our core, we are capable of providing

unique industry insights and have the capabilities to deliver innovative designs

and solutions that are commercially viable, practical and profitable. Our architecture

team will also advise clients on how to embrace new sustainable design and

technology into their projects – meeting the ever changing environmental guidelines and legislation, and helping to achieve innovative

solutions.

RETAIL DESIGN & FIT-OUTCONCEPTS, FURNITURE, LAYOUT & BRANDINGUnit3 have worked on a number of retail schemes across the UK, helping clients to develop their branding and company ethos, which has then been translated into entire store designs and corporate identities. We are able to help clients by producing colour schemes and concept designs, artists impressions and floor layouts, bespoke furniture pieces and complete branding guidelines.

REX : THE CONCEPT STORE We worked closely with pioneer retail

entrepreneurs - Revolver Retail in producing the UK’s first REX concept store in Liverpool.

The high-street store is akin to a bazaar or emporium where young designers can rent

flexible spaces to sell their products to a wider audience. The store design had to fresh and exciting as well as being entirely flexible and adaptable depending on the products being sold - which could change on a weekly basis.

The tight budget was maintained by using cost effective materials such as scaffolding, plywood

and steel ducts to create fun and interesting display units.

BARS & LEISURESOCIAL SPACES

Unit3 can design and visualise captivating atmospheric spaces, ideal for bars, restaurants, cafes and other recereational projects.

We work with clients to develop intriguing and authentic concepts that will provide amusement and delight to all visitors and guests. To date we have developed a number of themed bars, cafes and exhibitions.

Spaces can often be designed in endless ways to embody the theme of a project. Our response to this is to present clients with a number of concise options that work closely with their initial idea to help narrow down their perfect design.

THE TANK ROOMUnit3 have completed the design for a new bar

at the Cains Brewery Village in Liverpool – the Tank Room.

Based on the buildings industrial past and former use as a tank room, the design emphasises the

existing steel work and height and is branded throughout with reused mechanical diagrams

and symbols.

Rather than providing a concept that would quickly date or fall out of fashion, we aimed

to relate the theme to the breweries’ former industrial glory and captured a rustic and

weathered ‘Steam- Punk’ sense of place.

SUSTAINABILITY & ECO DESIGNDESIGNING FOR A BETTER FUTURE Eco design is not just a matter of ‘bolting-on’ new technologies and equipment, it is thinking about the project holistically and incorporating sustainable elements throughout the architecture of the building.

Eco homes are also not just about saving the environment, a well planned design can also save you money over the life time of the building – and may even generate income to offset your energy bills. We can help you work out the initial outlay costs and predicted savings for your design as well as assisting in clients taking advantage of the governments Green Deal and Feed-in tariffs.

Our architects work closely with clients to explore a whole spectrum of environmental factors and considerations from the outset, including:

- Orientation- Solar gain- Natural day lighting- Ventilation & Window design- Water efficiency- Construction materials – recycled, organic and man-made- Thermal mass- Construction techniques- Maintaining the building easily and effectively- Carbon offsetting- Air tightness

We have experience and understanding of how new eco-technologies and standards can be incorporated into a building design and have previously implemented:

- Photovoltaic (PV) Solar Panels- Solar Water Heating Panels- Ground Source Heat Pumps / Geothermal- Air Source Heat Pumps- Biomass Boilers- Sedum (Green) Roofs- Rainwater harvesting- Building Management Systems (BMS)- Energy Efficient Fittings and Appliances- Passivhaus Standards- Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Standards- Building Regulations – Part L (U-values / iSBEM)

We have also worked on numerous designs which have undergone BREEAM Assessments – achieving ‘Outstanding’ ratings on many schemes (www.breeam.org).

CARBON SMART CERTIFICATIONAs a company, we have also gained a blue carbon smart certification which recognises the practical actions and decisions that our organisation has taken to reduce its carbon footprint and impact on the environment.

URBAN REGENERATION MASTER PLANNING & STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT From large scale inner city regeneration to urban extensions and the creation of new communities, we provide everything from conceptual proposals, to urban design strategies and development frameworks, all based upon analysis, evaluation and engagement.

Our designers bring a wide range of skills and knowledge to projects, enabling us to secure the delivery of imaginative and commercially viable design-led solutions that benefit the investor and the wider community.

We are accomplished in providing distinctive and sustainable developments based on a firm understanding of integration into existing movement networks, the current landscape or the surrounding urban fabric.

TOWN ANALYSIS AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

Our architects have worked closely with

a number of local authorities and private developers in providing town centre analysis

and future development proposals - complete with strategic diagrams and cost analysis.

Past proposals have included schemes that

indicate how land can best be utilised by developers to provide coherent and distinctive

retail, leisure and residential massing.

RESIDENTIAL HOUSINGSCHEMES WITH CHARACTERUnit3 work closely with developer clients and housing associations to provide a smooth transition through all the RIBA work stages, from feasibility through to completion.

We take pride in ensuring a site is thoughtfully developed to its full potential providing well valued homes as well as maximum satisfaction for future residents.

We have gained planning permission for a number of empty sites within the Northwest of England, ranging from 2 house developments to 50+, and have the capabilities to take on any size development up to 200+.

MOSS BANK ROADWe recently designed upto RIBA Stage

4 a new £3.4m residential development located in Moss Bank, St Helens. The

project involved the provision of 16 new build houses ranging between 2 and 4

beds.

The houses were located on a restrictive sloping site and were arranged around an

old oak tree which become a key feature of the development.

“We work closely with a number of housing

developers across the North West maximising

a sites potential and providing an attractive

blend of housing types”

NEW BUILD HOMESBESPOKE PRIVATE HOUSESUnit3 work closely with private clients who have the desire of creating their own ideal home. We’ll see the project through from conception to completion and cater to any design ambitions that the client may bring to the table. We can manage both contemporary or traditional designs. While maintaining a scheme that responds to the context of the site, allowing the building to comfortably fit into it’s surroundings.

Throughout the process we aim to involve clients in the design loop as much as possible allowing for feedback at any stage. The use of virtual reality (VR) during meetings allows clients to put themselves in their design and get a true sense of the feeling of the scheme. When a final design has been chosen ,Unit3 will provide full specifications for the new building.

DARBY ROAD We were appointed to provide full design

services and project coordination for a luxury new build house in south Liverpool.

A traditional character was adopted for the building to be in keeping with the

surrounding context. The layout features 5 double en-suite bedrooms, open-plan kitchen / dining room, library, double height entrance

hall, swimming pool and playroom.

Many clients realise the importance of appearance, advertising, corporate branding and identity, however few often integrate a concept into and throughout a project from the start - often it being an afterthought or sub-contracted to an external designer who maybe doesnt fully appreciate your aspirations.

We want clients to be a part of the design process all the way through from start to completion and work together with us to make every visual element of their project as coordinated and successful as possible.

We have helped clients design entire branding strategies which has included logos, menus, flyers, posters and stationary. We have undertaken commissions from small as business cards all the way through to entire festival signage. We love designing books, publications, reports and graphic identities for clients no matter how big or small the idea.

GRAPHIC DESIGN

unit3-designstudio/graphicdesign

EVENT MARKETINGPROGRAMMES, REPORTS AND BROCHURESSometimes an event needs a little more than just a poster. Extended or repeat events, parties and festivals sometimes need dedicated brochures and programmes to hold a greater wealth of information for the audience.

We have produced a range of catalogues, menus, brochures, fold out accordion flyers and programmes for clients - from simple A4 documents to complex A6 multi- page concertina flyers. We work closely with a variety of printers throughout the north west that provide the capabilities to produce any document you may need.

SESSIONSSessions is a series of events hosted by Unit3 being held throughout the year

for students interested in careers in design and architecture to learn more from local employers and mentors.

Each session focuses on a different aspect of the profession and to respond to this, an accordion flyer was designed to have individual,

distinct images that would unfold to portray the target audience.

3D RENDERS, CGI VISUALISATIONS, ARTIST IMPRESSIONS & 3D FLOOR PLANSTHREE LEVELS OF SERVICE

Unit3 can produce a variety of architectural 3D renderings, CGI visualisations, artists impressions, illustrations and 3D floor plans which can instantly help explain a scheme or project to clients and be used on a variety of different marketing materials.

They are particularly useful for estate agents, homeowners and property developers to help market their schemes to potential buyers and visualise what the final result will look like.

We offer a three tiered service to clients to choose from;

LEVEL 1 - a basic rendering produced very quickly and cost effectively with minimal detail but still capturing the essence of the scheme.

Recommended for client feasibility reports and sketch schemes.

LEVEL 2 – an enhanced visual whereby the basic model is developed further using sketch techniques, lighting tools and Photoshop.

Recommended for homeowners and commercial clients.

LEVEL 3 – photorealistic images that are of the highest quality and definition. These images take the longest to produce and are the most costly, however they are the best representation of how your scheme will look when completed. Recommended particularly for property developers and estate agents.

Producing an eye catching and inspiring image is a complex process involving the right angle for the image, colours, lighting, context and textures.

We recognise that you may have a ‘picture’ in mind you want to achieve that we may not get first time. Therefore we will undertake as many changes as required until we get your image just right. We can usually turn around graphics in less than a week, this however depends on the complexity of the project, the level of graphic you would like and the quantity of images required.

LEVEL 1 - recommended for client feasibility reports and sketch schemes.

LEVEL 2 – recommended for homeowners and commercial clients.

LEVEL 3 – recommended particularly for property developers and estate agents.

VIRTUAL REALITYPUT YOURSELF IN THE PROJECTUnit3 are always looking for innovative ways to present to our clients and engage with design projects.

Virtual reality (VR) is one of the latest innovations to immerse people in the virtual world and is especially effective at visualising buildings and architectural spaces.

From a very early stage, we are able to show clients their designs in a virtual environment and make changes to a project long before it goes into construction.

We have some of the latest VR equipment available in the studio and can utilise it to view projects in a way never previously available - giving clients a truer sense of a scheme and space.

EVENT SIGNAGEBANNERS, POSTERS, PRINTINGWe have worked with a number of clients to produce large scale banners and signage for use at festivals.

By working closely in partnership with a number of printing firms, we are experienced with the various sizes and limitations of signage materials as well as the multiple different inks and finishes that can be applied.

We can offer advice and guidance to the best products to use in multiple different applications and fixing methods, be that herras fencing, signposts, marquees, speakers or stage constructions.

LIVERPOOL PRIDE FESTIVALWe were approached by the Liverpool pride

festival to create a broad range of festival signage to be used all over the city centre including

the Pier Head, Merseyrail stations, Dale Street and all along the strand.

Signage included directional boards for pedestrians and vehicles, safety and first aid

boards, main entrance banners for the main entrances and materials for the

bars and clubs taking part in the festival.

Unit3 collaborated with artist Gregory Guillieum who produced the fun striking

graphics that were used to tie in the festival organisers theme or ‘superheroes’.

EVENT MARKETINGFLYERS / LEAFLETSFlyers are a short, snappy and cost effective way to quickly convey a message to large numbers of people. Producing a flyer has its own challenges and limitations including limited print space, font sizes and legibility. We have produced a number of flyers and adverts for clients that have been used in both printed and digital media to convey important and precise messages.

HARVEST MOON ESPRESSO BARAs part of a wider rebranding exercise, Unit were appointed by

Harvest Moon Espresso Bar in Chester to create a small flyer that could be used to inform people about the services and facilities

available in the venue.

THE CITY OF LIVERPOOL COLLEGEWe were approached by The City of Liverpool College students union

to produce some vibrant and exciting flyers for their freshers fair.

Branding guidelines by the college meant that certain elements had to be maintained - such as the circular compass and specific fonts.

Information was kept clear, concise and structured on both the front and rear of the flyer.

EMAIL CAMPAIGNS & DIGITAL MEDIAREACH A MASSIVE AUDIENCEWith the average online consumer checking their email approx. 15 times a day (if not more frequently), email marketing has exploded over the past 10 years and with its relatively low cost - big gain potential, it is now one of the most popular marketing methods being employed by businesses.

We have worked with companies to develop branding strategies and targeted email marketing campaigns - helping clients to build strong and loyal mailing lists, as well as developing templates for regular newsletters, adverts and events.

THE COLLECTIVE HONOURS 2014Working closely with the creative director from the

collective magazine, we assisted in setting up html email marketing templates and campaigns for their collective

honours awards ceremony held in Liverpool. We utilised existing branding material already established to create

new bold, vivid and stylish material for use via mailchimp by the collective administration team.

SPEED QUEEN LAUNDRETTE APPUnit3 have helped a number of clients in developing digital graphics and images for use on websites and mobile apps. Working alongside Alliance Laundry International, we developed a series of mobile app graphics that coordinated with their new branding strategy.

EVENT MARKETINGPOSTER DESIGNWe believe that creating a strong visual identity for an event can be just as important as the event itself. If an idea or concept does not relate or connect with people, it can mean the difference between success and failure.

Using our expertise about colour, contracts, layout, size, font and style, our designers are able to quickly and efficiently transform your idea or event into an eye-catching and attractive poster that people will remember.

TEA WITH AN ARCHITECTSince march 2013, we have been organising

and hosting monthly ‘tea with an architect’ sessions across the north west.

Tea with an architect is a nationwide series of events and provides an opportunity for

people to come and meet their local architect in an informal and relaxed setting for free

architectural consultations and advice on any building matters.

Each year a different identity for posters was designed by Unit3, providing a monthly

consistency, yet also allowing the programme to be refreshed and revived each year.

BRANDING GUIDELINESPROVIDING A CLEAR AND CONSISTENT MESSAGEBranding guidelines are a guide to how your business communicates to its customer base. They sets out fundamental rules and guides about the business principles, ethos, the logo, colour palette, typography, imagery, photography, visual device, advertisement, stationery and wording. It acts as a flexible yet robust guide to helping you maintain a strong personality to your brand that will involve and aim your businesses interests at your intended audience.

Every company already has there own brand, even if they don’t know it, but without a guideline to help define it and keep it consistent among employees and outside sources it is difficult to maintain a brand which is strong and recognisable in the noise of today saturated markets.

We can help clients establish their own branding guidelines and help rationalise or formulate a company’s mission statement, a tone of voice, logo usage, colour palettes, type styles, image styles and a variety of business templates.

REX THE CONCEPT STOREWorking alongside the client - revolver retail, we developed a dedicated branding guideline document to help establish the identity of their new

concept store: Rex.

The store had a transient environment of independent sellers and designers which the store had to respond to, adapting with each retailers

needs and self-identity.

We produced a concept using low-cost blackboards and interchangeable signage that could evolve and adapt to the needs of the ever changing

retail environment.

‘REX was a perfect example of how architecture, graphic design and

collaborative working can all come together on a single scheme’

LOGO DESIGNESTABLISHING YOUR BUSINESSThe logo is the face of a business and can be the most important thing to associate value to a product or service. Unit3 can design everything from a single logo to full branding for a business.

Whether a client has an initial idea in mind or not, we’ll take the reins with mock-up designs, client feedback and continued refinement until we have a design truly representative of their business.

We use the latest design software including Illustrator and all other Adobe Products and can even create 3D animations and marketing videos.

‘We would not hesitate to recommend Unit3 to anybody and will

definitely use them again for any future ventures’

Chris Aitken - Private Client

INFOGRAPHICSINFORMATION MADE SIMPLEInformation graphics or infographics are graphic visual representations of information, data or knowledge intended to present complex information quickly and clearly. Otherwise known as content marketing, many businesses are now using infographics for communicating with (and attracting new) customers. Their popularity in modern society comes from an understanding that out of all our human senses, the visual element is most recognisable and easily processed by our brains.

Our designers can help you produce a clear and interesting infographic that can either be printed or shared online using email and social media channels such as Facebook, linkedin and twitter.

We design our infographics following a simple three-stage process of ‘appeal’, ‘comprehension’ and ‘retention’, focusing on your ultimate aims and purpose of the image.

INTERNAL SIGNAGELEADING DESIGNUnit3 have done a full spectrum of signage, ranging from small instructional visuals to large aesthetic wall graphics. Whatever the desired ‘feel’ of the scheme, we can work closely with anyone in the retail or public sector to produce eye-catching signage, be it simple or complicated.

We can also aid in the overall strategy of the scheme to ensure the signage, internal layout and circulation all work in harmony within the space.

SPEED QUEENUnit3 are pleased to be working alongside

international washing experts – Alliance Laundry Systems (trading as Speed Queen), developing new concept store designs and branding identity across

the Eastern and European markets.

Unit3 provide the client with architectural / interior designs, 3D modelling, visualisations, design

manuals, store signage, mobile apps and various marketing materials. Currently stores have been

developed for Vietnam, Germany and Spain, with future expansion planned for Mexico and Thailand.

At Unit3 we like to do things differently, offer unique new products and services to our clients, and importantly, stand apart from our competitors.

Our practice believes that true creativity and individuality happens when we connect unconnected bodies of knowledge together. That’s why our third business unit is solely dedicated to collaboration, partnership and working with different individuals in developing new thoughts, concepts and ideas - creative media.

We work with schools, universities, charitable organisations, galleries, community groups, societies, bloggers, enthusiasts and anyone else we can find that has a great idea or project.

Who knows what we’ll end up working on next?

CREATIVE MEDIA

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COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENTCONSULTATION EVENTS AND EXHIBITSMany of our clients understand that public consultation plays a vital role in the design process and can often mean the difference between success and failure.

Unit3 have worked in the past with many clients - including local authorities, charity organisations, housing associations and community groups - to provide both formal and informal consultation events and exhibits that are both engaging and informative covering a range of issues. A good consultation can help to raise the profile of your organisation, may help you attract more volunteers or expertise, and is likely to get more people on board with a project from the start.

We understand that it is important to involve various stakeholders in the design process and to give people confidence in their capacity to control their own circumstances.

Unit3 aim to make public consultation events a fun and enjoyable way for clients to work with the public to understand their feelings about their community and how they would like to move forward with improvements.

HIDDEN LIVERPOOLHidden Liverpool was a year-long heritage lottery funded

event by PLACED that raised awareness of the vast quantity of historic empty buildings

in and around the city.

A fundamental element of the funding was public consultation and engagement which we were actively

involved in both creating and hosting throughout the year.

SCHOOL WORKSHOPSINSPIRING YOUNG PEOPLE ABOUT THE BUILT ENVIRONMENTGiving something back to the next generation of young designers is something we feel passionately about and have integrated deeply into our business model.

We find that working with students is a refreshing change to the daily realities of running a business and often helps us to remember and reignite the creative sparks of limitless imagination we had when we started studying.

We know how difficult and daunting it can be to embark on a career in architecture and graphic design and so any lessons we’ve learnt along the way that can simplify the process or help inspire someone to believe in their talents we feel should be passed on.

We regularly assist schools with career days, illustrating what designers do on a daily basis, hold open days at our studio, have informal conversations and interviews with students and take on work experience placements as and when possible.

UNIVERSITY SUMMER SCHOOLFor a number of years we have assisted PLACED with

their summer school programme at Liverpool John Moores University. The programme is designed for students aged between 11-19 to come and spend a week or longer with professionals and run a design

project from start to completion for actual local businesses and organisations. The summer school

culminates in a large exhibition of models and presentations.

‘Giving something back to the next generation of young designers

is something we feel passionately about and have integrated deeply

into our business model.’

‘As PLACED Ambassadors they have delivered numerous workshops with us in schools that share their passion and enthusiasm for

architecture with the younger generation.

Students have responded really well to their friendly, accessible approach and I have no doubt that this enthusiasm transfers into their

professional practice.’

Jo Harrop - PLACED

LOCAL AUTHORITY / PRIVATE CLIENTS STAKEHOLDER WORKSHOPSWe can assist clients in the preparation, planning, management and evaluation of stakeholder workshops when considering any new building development schemes, frameworks and urban regeneration proposals.

Many large and complex projects will involve stakeholder groups being required to input their thoughts, concerns and knowledge into a scheme. Many clients do not realise that workshops require considerable research and analysis during the engagement process as well as thorough monitoring of feedback and its evaluation afterwards.

Proactive and creative methods are always encouraged to our clients and developed according to whether projects are in rural or urban settings to help deliver effective consultation and engagement policies.

SPACE PLANNING IN EDUCATIONWe have held workshops with a number of primary, secondary, HE and SEN educational clients

across the UK - engaging with the students, staff, parents and wider community and find out what their aspirations and requirements for their projects were. Using a series of handouts, toolkits and interactive displays we were able to engage with all parties and provide design

solutions which met all the clients needs.

MODEL MAKING / SAMPLE BOARDSBRINGING DESIGNS TO LIFEUnit3’s team have many combined years of experience in model making as its a technique frequently used before, during and after the design process.

Models can aid with understanding the massing on a site, give a sense of form and shape as well as communicating how a building interacts with light and space.

We make models for our clients in a variety of media depending on the use, from wood, to cardboard and paper. We also have access to the latest 3D printers meaning we can make client models as simple or as complex as needed.

Sample boards are an inherent part of our design process and we always explore a variety of materials and products with clients - investigating durability, texture, appearance, cost and longevity.

‘We can make models for clients out of wood, cardboard and paper and

have access to the latest 3D printers meaning that our models can be as

simple or as complex as required’

ARCHICHESTERThis urban realm themed workshop invited members of the public to go out into the city of Chester to explore and re-discover the hidden architectural details that are all around us and often overlooked or simply walked past.

Working together with a local artist, the participants were asked to collect items they found by photographing, sketching and recording the objects found all around them. These were then brought back to the gallery workshop space and advice was given on artistic techniques that could be employed to transform the collected material into abstract pieces of artwork - this then formed the basis of a large open public exhibition at the gallery.

Working together with the northgate gallery, Chester civic trust, the Cheshire society of architects, the RIBA and the civic trust, the exhibition opened by the lord mayor proved to be hugely popular with both locals and tourists and many of the pieces being sold to collectors.

ART PROJECTSCREATIVE WORKSHOPS & GALLERY EXHIBITIONSWe love to get involved in projects, get our hands dirty and see where an idea can take us. If a project can involve people who we would not normally work with, opening up new ideas and promoting a wider social issue or cause, then we believe that as a creative practice, we should be at the forefront - instigating projects and pushing for the promotion of architecture, creativity and the benefits of good quality design.

Art projects are a great way for promoting a theme, issue or design concept to a large audience in an engaging way

Elaborate stone carvings and snarling gargoyles go unnoticed, hand-crafted

wrought iron gates unloved. There’s no time for detail.

UNIVERSITY COLLABORATIONSWORKING WITH STUDENTS IN HIGHER EDUCATIONUnit3 have a long-standing relationship with the two local Universities - Liverpool John Moores and University of Liverpool.

The Unit3 staff includes a majority of alumni from both universities, including Martin Shutt who is also a tutor at University of Liverpool. We enjoy working with students who are still in education as it gives us a valuable opportunity to pass on our knowledge and experience to them, with the aim of them bettering their learning potential.

`A group of 20 students and 4 staff came for the weekend, camping on site and

completed the building over the two days. It looks great.’

Rod Waterfield; Woodlands Skills Centre 2017

STUDIO IN THE WOODSAround the first weekend of June every year, Unit3 and the

University of Liverpool collaborate on our ‘Studio in the Woods’ workshop which takes a group of 20 first-year architecture students

to North Wales to build a 1:1 scale timber framed structure.

The images opposite are from our 2017 build - a semi-sheltered structure that could be used for storage of woodland materials and

equipment whilst also allowing for campers to sleep in.

The project runs over a couple of months at the university prior to the students arriving in North Wales to build their design.

CONSTRUCTION FRAMEWORKSA TRUSTED FRAMEWORK CONSULTANTAt Unit3 Design Studio, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience of working in major construction frameworks and the tender/procurement process.

Both directors have been involved in programmes such as the Building Schools for the Future (BSF), North West Construction Hub (NWCH), Scape as well as frameworks for private clients such as the University of Liverpool and Manchester City Council (Framework 1).

We provide our framework clients and supply partners with an exceptional customer service (maintaining innovative design and quality throughout) whilst always maintaining an efficent programme and being prompt in the turnaround of design information.

We believe in building strong and long-term relationships with our Framework partners, are familiar with both NEC and JCT contracts and work on all the RIBA Work Stages 0-7. The studio is currently eligible for any frameworks with architectural lots for projects up to value of £4million.

CONSTRUCTION IMPACT FRAMEWORKUnit3 are proud to be a framework consultant for architectural

services on the Construction Impact Framework (CIF) - which allows large clients such as universities, housing associations, local

authorities and the NHS to find supply partners who will deliver schemes ranging from £50,000 to £4 million.

As part of the CIF framework, we work with clients to provide exceptional designs as well as supporting supplimentary projects that

have a positive and lasting impact on communities.

Unit3 is a distinctive studio committed to delivering unique, sustainable and contemporary design solutions.

Based in the heart of Liverpool’s creative quarter – the Baltic Triangle, we undertake projects all across the UK and work in an environment that encourages creativity and a fusion of ideas between architecture, graphic design, and creative media.

22a Jordan StreetLiverpool, L1 0BP

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